Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust (WWL) is proud to announce that the Trust has received Bronze Recognition for its Anti-Racist Framework by the North West Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Assembly.
The Assembly offer accreditation to NHS organisations on their journey towards anti-racism, and Bronze Recognition signifies that WWL has taken initial steps towards becoming intentionally anti-racist.
This includes the Trusts’ Anti-Racist Strategy and Anti-Racism and Zero Tolerance Policy, which has been developed on the back of feedback from Global Majority staff. WWL have also launched several anti-racist programmes which have improved racial inequalities at WWL, for both staff and patients.
Mary Fleming, Chief Executive at WWL, said: “WWL is deeply committed to becoming an anti‑racist organisation and to creating a culture where every colleague feels safe, valued, and heard. Our staff deserve a workplace free from bullying, discrimination, and fear, and they deserve equal opportunities to grow and progress. We know that many colleagues have experienced racial disparities in the past, and I am personally determined to ensure those experiences are not repeated.
“Racism has no place at WWL. I am incredibly proud of the many teams who are working with such dedication and compassion to make sure every member of staff, every patient, and every person in our community is treated with dignity and respect. Through our Anti‑Racist Framework, colleagues have bravely shared the barriers they have faced, and their honesty is shaping the changes that will make the biggest difference to their working lives.
“We are committed to building a safe, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and feel a true sense of belonging. Achieving Bronze Recognition is an important milestone, and it reflects the courage, hard work, and collaboration of our staff. It shows that together, we are moving in the right direction.”
Professor Dame Robina Shah, Chair at WWL, said: “Racism has no place at WWL or in the care we provide. This matters deeply because it goes to the heart of who we are, how we treat one another, and what people should be able to expect from us. Every colleague, every patient, and every community we serve deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect, and to feel safe, valued and heard.
“I am proud of the work that has taken place across WWL to achieve Bronze Recognition. It marks an important step forward, but it is not the end of the journey. We know there is more to do, and we must continue to listen with honesty, lead with courage and act with purpose.
“As a Board, we are clear that anti-racism is not optional. It is a leadership responsibility and a moral responsibility. We will continue to hold ourselves to account so that this commitment is seen not only in our words, but in peoples lived experience of working in, receiving care from, and engaging with WWL.”